Ashford leaders demand Eurostar services return on the anniversary of their arrival

On the 29th anniversary of Eurostar launching its services from Ashford International, the council renews calls for the return of the service.

On 8 January 1996, the UK’s second Eurostar station opened - Ashford International Station. It heralded a new era in international rail travel for Ashford and East Kent passengers.

Other significant milestones 29 years ago include the first flip mobile phone went on sale with over 60 million units sold as well as Dolly the sheep was the first mammal to successfully be cloned from an adult cell.

Its opening came after an 18-month, £80million construction project, which had started in June 1994, to transform the town’s station into ‘Ashford International’. Two new platforms were built for domestic trains to replace those used by Eurostar.

29 years on the group behind the ‘Bring Back Eurostar Campaign’ want to see them return, in time for its 30th anniversary. The group, which comprises key voices from the public and private sector, including Ashford Borough Council, Kent County Council, Kent and Medway Economic Partnership, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Locate in Kent and Visit Kent, have been campaigning since they stopped in 2020, which Eurostar originally blamed on a combination of financial concerns and post-Brexit red tape.

Cllr Noel Ovenden, Leader of Ashford Borough Council, said: “On the 29th anniversary of Eurostar services arriving in Ashford, we are demanding their return as we begin the count down to 30 years. We will not give up. Our fight continues, and we are making a strong case to both Eurostar and the Government.

“Ashford has a station that is perfectly equipped to serve international rail passengers, with decades of significant investment in infrastructure. There is a clear and growing demand from residents and businesses across the south-east region.

“Services at Ashford International Station are vital—not only for local businesses and travellers but also for securing future commercial investments, supporting the wider tourism industry, and driving economic growth throughout the south-east. It’s time for these services to be restored.”

In response to a question from Ashford’s MP, Sojan Joseph, the Prime Minister has also stated the Government’s support for seeing International rail services returned to Ashford today, 8 January, in Prime Minister’s Questions stating that “The decision in question is ultimately for Eurostar, but we are keen to see international services reinstated to Ashford as soon as possible”.